3D modeling technology enhances excavation efficiency by enabling precise site mapping, which saves time and costs. When combined with real-time technologies such as GPS, these plans automate parts of the excavation process, minimizing errors and rework.
Some barriers to adopting technology in projects such as excavation include resistance to new tools and the need for applicable skills. However, the advantages of using 3D modeling technology make it vital to keep up in the ever-changing excavation industry.
Understanding the Factors That Influence Excavation Costs
It’s essential to understand the factors influencing excavation costs to appreciate the value of advanced digital representation technology. 3D modeling allows you to reduce the impacts of some of these factors on your overall spending.
Labor
In the construction industry, 62% of contractors are concerned about rising labor costs, and 59% also include a potential shortage of workers in their top three concerns. Both of these factors increase hiring expenses.
Materials
Materials significantly contribute to construction costs, and 54% of contractors are worried about potential increases. While excavation often means removing material rather than adding it, even excavating and disposing of material comes with high expenses. The type of material present on the site, such as soil, rock or debris, influences the difficulty of excavation and the related costs.
Time
The length of the project significantly impacts the expense — as work drags on for months, other costs — such as labor and equipment — continuously add up. A short timeline, like several weeks, also negatively impacts your spending if you must pay for extended work hours or additional equipment to meet the scheduled deadline.
Project Scope
Larger projects, like commercial excavations or complex drainage systems, require significant resources, including crew, equipment and time. Smaller projects are typically more affordable, but one unforeseen expense could dramatically increase costs. The project scope also influences factors, including the excavation depth and the types of equipment needed, which change the expenses. Though you cannot control all aspects of the project scope, effective planning mitigates unforeseen costs.
Site Characteristics
Excavations in busy, urban areas have less room to maneuver, which makes the job more detailed and extends the timeline. Other site characteristics like utility lines and underground obstacles make completing work more difficult, especially if you lack thorough knowledge of the locations.
How 3D Models Drive Cost Reduction
3D representations enhance accuracy and precision in excavation, giving you more control over project costs.
Minimize Material and Equipment Waste
3D mock-ups enable precise project scope definition, facilitating raw material usage and reducing the amount you must dispose of or add to the jobsite. These models also give you a better idea of the work required so you can select the most effective equipment with size and capabilities that match your job.
Reduce Rework
Rework increases the amount of time, materials and labor for a project. You can reduce the chances of rework with a detailed 3D plan. Use this model before excavation begins to identify any inconsistencies in the plan and fix them. A 3D depiction enables you to follow project plans more effectively than relying on contours alone. If you have a crowded site or many underground utilities to avoid, you can do so more effectively with a visual to follow.
Optimize Resource Allocation
3D designs clarify resource needs and usage, leading to reduced spending on:
- Surveying: Eliminate the need for ongoing grade checking throughout a project.
- Labor: Operators can work more quickly and with fewer errors when they have a detailed visual guide to follow.
- Equipment: By completing work faster with 3D plans, you can use less fuel and reduce repair and maintenance costs.
Enhancing Efficiency Through Precise Planning
With a 3D representation, you gain more precise planning and project execution, which streamlines the task and reduces timelines through:
- Enhanced communication: All stakeholders can see and understand the site plans, enabling faster decision-making regarding project details.
- Issue identification: 3D representations help identify issues early before they stall a project or cause errors by providing a detailed analysis of relationships and dimensions.
- Simulation: See a detailed view of the work before you start excavation. This view may also include different material types or other underground obstacles so you can decide on the fastest way to complete the job.
The Role of Real-Time Data in Improving Excavation Efficiency
Incorporate real-time data to enhance the effectiveness of 3D plans. This real-time data might include GPS technology for your equipment on an excavation site, which precisely determines its position and enables immediate adjustments. If depth or alignment are outside specified parameters, you can immediately change your approach rather than going back to fix issues later.
You can guide blades or buckets to map them to the layout points on your 3D representation. This data will identify the proper profile and depth without continuously checking grades. Real-time data makes the work more automatic, enabling you to cut down the time spent on a project.
This access to timely data also supports efficiency when you must change existing 3D models. You can quickly send any changes to the jobsite. Equipment with GPS technology can utilize the new visualizations and their location data to inform any changes or adjustments to the excavation approach.
Overcoming Barriers to 3D Model Adoption
Despite the efficiency and cost benefits of 3D drawings, potential barriers to adoption exist. Proper planning overcomes them.
Common Barriers to 3D Model Adoption
Roadblocks to adoption include:
- High initial costs: Software and hardware costs for creating these visualizations prevent some from using them.
- Knowledge deficits: Teams may not have the technical knowledge necessary to develop models or use them confidently.
- Change resistance: Many aspects of the excavation process have remained the same for years, making industry members hesitant to adapt.
- Data management: These plans come with an increased collection of data, which requires excavation companies to create adequate storage, organization and retrieval systems.
- Maintenance and updates: Like any technology or equipment, 3D depictions and their underlying software require some care to ensure they function most effectively.
Strategies to Enhance Adoption
Working with a professional modeling company can overcome many barriers to adoption. These teams have experts with the technical knowledge and the necessary software and hardware to complete 3D models. They also regularly update their systems and adapt drawings when plans change.
Another way to enhance adoption is to start with a pilot project. Choose a small job that may benefit from using 3D technology and enlist the help of experts to create a representation. This testing opportunity helps reduce change resistance and address any difficulties before transitioning to more widespread usage. It also gives you time to set up proper data management systems and other standard operating procedures for future usage.
Standout 3D model benefits include efficiency and cost reduction, which justify overcoming adoption hurdles. Once you resolve the initial barriers, you can introduce a transformative change into your excavation processes.
Gain Efficiency and Save on Costs With 3D Models for Excavation
Take-off Professionals has a team of full-time modeling experts ready to help you adopt 3D plans in your excavation operation. We provide 3D structural excavation models that integrate with your existing operations and fit any machine control software you have. We’ll help you transform your raw site data into a time- and cost-saving model. Get in touch with us to learn more about our services or discuss your needs.